STEP INTO THE CYCLE STUDIO

When it comes to pedaling it’s all about you and the bike. The beautiful thing about indoor cycling is you can start where you are, do what you can and let the energy of the group fuel your fitness.

Have you been eyeing up the cycle studio with interest, but also a bit of suspicion? If you find yourself peering curiously in at all those “cardio freaks” pedaling their hearts out, but aren’t brave enough to step inside – this one’s for you.

At first glance, you might think that everyone in the studio must be a hardcore cycle fanatic and there’s no place for someone just looking for a great cardio workout. That’s simply not true. It doesn’t matter if you love to ride bikes or have never ridden one in your life – anyone can enjoy this highly effective type of training.

You don’t need padded lycra shorts or special shoes, either. A towel and water bottle are all that’s required to get your sweat on while cycling.

Studio cycling often gets overlooked for fitness newbies, but it’s actually the perfect place to start. The simple act of pedaling will get your legs moving and your heart rate up. Then let your instructor take care of the rest. They’ll guide and motivate you through the workout, telling you when to raise your resistance, what pace to pedal and when to back off.

The best part? Cycling is non-competitive. Unlike weightlifting or regular fitness classes where your nosy neighbor can see your progress, inside the cycle studio other class members have no idea what resistance you’re pedaling at. You can work at your own pace without the anxiety of feeling like other people might be judging you.

When you choose to pedal for fitness, you make the rules. The level of intensity is entirely up to you – pedal as fast or as slow as your body can handle, and add the amount of resistance that challenges you. No matter where you’re at in your fitness journey, you’ll still be getting all the same benefits as everyone else in the class. Toned, strong, sexy legs and increased cardiovascular fitness are just a few rides away.

Other tips? Get to class early and let the instructor know you’re just getting started on your fitness journey. They will talk you through a couple of simple adjustments to your seat and handlebar height. Then you’ll be pedaling away on your trusty stead in no time!